Defining the Term "Argument"

Authors

  • P. Chittleborough
  • M.E. Newman

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22329/il.v15i3.2486

Keywords:

argument, definition, informal logic, human factors

Abstract

Informal logic has expanded the concept of an 'argument' beyond that presented traditionally by formal logicians-to include arguments as encountered in 'real-life'. Existent definitions of argument structure are argued to be inadequate by failing to fully recognise that, ultimately, arguments have a human source. Accordingly, a new definition is proposed which appeals to relevant cognitive and behavioural factors. The definition retains some traditional concepts, but introduces the term 'supportive' as a modification to 'premiss'. The concept of a 'persuader' is also developed. The definition is argued to capture more fully the intricacies, subtleties and rich diversity of informal arguments.

Downloads

Published

1993-01-01

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 3 (1993)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright for each article published in Informal Logic belongs to its author(s). Informal Logic has the right of first publication. Permission to reprint any article that appears in Informal Logic MUST be obtained in writing from the author(s). In addition to any form of acknowledgement required by the author(s), the following notice must be added to the statement of copyright permission made in the reprint (with the appropriate numbers replacing the ellipses): [Article Title] was originally published in Informal Logic, [year], Volume ..., Number ..., pp. ...-... .